'Tween Families
The 5th and 6th grade students have been touched by this video of the Truly Brave kids who are living with cancer. The compassion in your kids is amazing! Well done, mom and dad! In fact, if you needed proof that you are the primary teachers of faith - compassion, love, forgiveness, etc... - in your kids, check out this article published a couple of years ago on Huffington Post - Canada.
Caring Conversation
As we enter into the holiday season, be sure to use the many teachable moments to remind your 'tween of the importance of gratitude. Here are a few conversation starters for meal time, car time, anytime!
Rituals and Traditions
The holiday time is filled with ritual and tradition. It can also be a time to begin a new tradition. If you don't have an advent calendar or would like to create a new calendar with your family, check out this simple idea.
This advent calender uses family activities rather than candy or gifts to count down the days to Jesus' birth. Here are some ideas specific to Bethlehem families to include on your calendar:
1. Create an advent wreath 2. Pick gifts from the angel tree at Bethlehem
3. Bake cookies and share with a neighbor 4. Make wrapping paper 5. Read a Christmas book
6. Put up the nativity set with the animals 7. Make Christmas cards 8. Unwrap a new book to read
9. Call Grandma and Grandpa to say "hi!" 10. Go sledding 11. Look at Christmas lights
12. Add Mary and Joseph to the nativity set 13. Have an indoor picnic under the Christmas tree
14. Make a gift for your teacher 15. Bring dog and/or cat food to the Tri-County humane society
16. Sign up to serve as greeters, ushers, or communion servers during one of the Christmas Eve services
17. Find a Santa with a red kettle and make a donation 18. Make salt dough ornaments
19. Decorate Christmas cookies to share at church during coffee hour 20. Add the shepherds to the nativity set. 21. Donate toys to "Toys 4 Tots" 22. Read the Christmas story by the light of the Christmas tree
23. Explore pictures of Christmas from around the world. 24. Add baby Jesus to the nativity set
Serving others
5th and 6th grade is the time for students to experience being an acolyte in worship. If your student is interested, please contact Pastor Janine
The 5th and 6th grade students have been touched by this video of the Truly Brave kids who are living with cancer. The compassion in your kids is amazing! Well done, mom and dad! In fact, if you needed proof that you are the primary teachers of faith - compassion, love, forgiveness, etc... - in your kids, check out this article published a couple of years ago on Huffington Post - Canada.
Caring Conversation
As we enter into the holiday season, be sure to use the many teachable moments to remind your 'tween of the importance of gratitude. Here are a few conversation starters for meal time, car time, anytime!
- What is your favorite memory from Thanksgivings/Christmas celebrations in the past?
- If you could only do ONE thing this Thanksgiving or Christmas - what would it be? (ie, be with family, eat turkey, make lefse/cookies/etc...)
- Why do you think it is so important to remember to be thankful for things
Rituals and Traditions
The holiday time is filled with ritual and tradition. It can also be a time to begin a new tradition. If you don't have an advent calendar or would like to create a new calendar with your family, check out this simple idea.
This advent calender uses family activities rather than candy or gifts to count down the days to Jesus' birth. Here are some ideas specific to Bethlehem families to include on your calendar:
1. Create an advent wreath 2. Pick gifts from the angel tree at Bethlehem
3. Bake cookies and share with a neighbor 4. Make wrapping paper 5. Read a Christmas book
6. Put up the nativity set with the animals 7. Make Christmas cards 8. Unwrap a new book to read
9. Call Grandma and Grandpa to say "hi!" 10. Go sledding 11. Look at Christmas lights
12. Add Mary and Joseph to the nativity set 13. Have an indoor picnic under the Christmas tree
14. Make a gift for your teacher 15. Bring dog and/or cat food to the Tri-County humane society
16. Sign up to serve as greeters, ushers, or communion servers during one of the Christmas Eve services
17. Find a Santa with a red kettle and make a donation 18. Make salt dough ornaments
19. Decorate Christmas cookies to share at church during coffee hour 20. Add the shepherds to the nativity set. 21. Donate toys to "Toys 4 Tots" 22. Read the Christmas story by the light of the Christmas tree
23. Explore pictures of Christmas from around the world. 24. Add baby Jesus to the nativity set
Serving others
5th and 6th grade is the time for students to experience being an acolyte in worship. If your student is interested, please contact Pastor Janine